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After the first eight weeks of the 2020 season, it seemed like Russell Wilson was on a direct path towards his first MVP. He was leading the league in touchdowns, Pro Football Focus quarterback grade, and his completion percentage over expectation along with this adjusted net yards per attempt were in the top two as well. Over the last five weeks, however, things have taken a turn for the worse. Wilson has been playing awfully over this time period. Three poor games against the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and, most recently, the New York Giants, Wilson seems to be a shell of his former self.
In my latest video breakdown, I wanted to figure out why. Based on my analysis, post-snap rotations into a two-high look, and especially “Cloud” coverages, seem to be giving him trouble. Additionally, pressure from a four-man rush along with simulated pressure from fire zone blitzes while dropping eight into coverage are also giving him trouble too.
If the Seattle Seahawks want to make a Super Bowl run after their incredible start to the year and to make up for some of these games, everybody, including Wilson has to play better.
This video is almost 13 minutes long. Sit back, relax, and I hope you (begrudgingly) enjoy it!
*Note 1: A “cloud” coverage is where instead of two safeties playing as the deep two zone defenders, there will be one safety deep along with an outside cornerback that will play that role instead. It’s meant as a disguise to a standard Cover 3 or Cover 2 zone defense.
**Note 2: A “fire zone blitz” features a lineman or linebacker that fakes rushing but drops into zone coverage instead.